Deputy Chair of New National Curriculum Board Announced

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Julia Gillard has today announced the appointment of Mr Tony Mackay as Deputy Chair of the Rudd Government’s new National Curriculum Board.

In addition, the Minister has today written to all State and Territory Education Ministers inviting them to provide their nominations for the National Curriculum Board.

The Minister has also written to the National Catholic Education Commission and the Independent Schools Council of Australia seeking their nominations.

The new National Curriculum Board will comprise representatives from each of the states and territories, and three representatives from the Catholic and Independent sectors.

The Board will oversee the development of a rigorous, world-class national curriculum for all Australian students from kindergarten to Year 12, starting with the key learning areas of English, mathematics, the sciences and history.

The Board will draw together the best programs from each state and territory into a single curriculum to ensure every child has access to the highest quality learning programs to lift achievement and drive up school retention rates.

Mr Mackay has extensive experience in educational issues, both at a national and international level. He has been a strong advocate for the development of national curriculum that engages and inspires young Australians in the 21st Century.

Mr Mackay is the President-elect of the International Congress on School Effectiveness and Improvement. He is currently the Executive Director of the Centre for Strategic Education in Melbourne, and President of the Australian Curriculum Studies Association.

The Minister congratulated Mr Mackay on his appointment, which follows the appointment of Professor Barry McGaw as Chair of the National Curriculum Board, announced by the Prime Minister recently.